Since Feb. 2003, the genocide sponsored by the Sudanese government and perpetrated by its “Janjaweed” militia allies has claimed at least 400,000 lives, displaced 2.5 million people, and left 3.5 million dependent on international humanitarian aid. The Sudanese government has refused to accept U.N. peacekeepers in Darfur despite a U.N. resolution authorizing a peacekeeping force.
On Thursday, Oct. 5th more than 200 schools across the country will participate in a luxury fast to demonstrate solidarity with the innocent victims of genocide in Darfur and to raise money for civilian protection on the ground.
Schools in eight countries, spanning four continents, will join the DarfurFast (www.DarfurFast.com).
Celebrities and public officials have pledged their support for the event, including actor Don Cheadle, actress Mira Sorvino, New York Times columnist Nick Kristof, West Wing actress Allison Janney and U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, Andrew Natsios. Fasters will give up a luxury good for the day and donate the money they save to support African Union peacekeepers in Darfur.
DarfurFast is being organized by STAND, a student anti-genocide coalition, and the Save Darfur Coalition. Georgetown STAND is organizing a die-in on Oct. 5th at Red Square at 1p.m. to demonstrate that Darfur cannot be ignored. At 7:30 p.m. there will be a candlelight vigil in Red Square along with an inter-faith prayer service. After that, George Washington University STAND is organizing an event at the Levi’s store on M Street. Get great discounts at Levi’s and contribute to the donations towards civilian protection in Darfur.
Anushka Kalyanpur is a sophomore in the School of Foreign Service
